After taking her non-profit organization “Kids Helping Hands” with her when she moved from Guernsey County to Muskingum County, Debbie Barclay has been changing the way of life for children living at one of Zanesville’s low-income apartment complexes.

When Barclay moved into Eagle View Apartments three months ago, she immediately began serving her new community.

Located west to most of Zanesville’s central activity, Barclay was concerned about how the children at Eagle View would stay nourished over the summer.

“I can’t see the children going without food,” said Barclay.

Without hesitation, Barclay contacted the West Muskingum School District and property manager Tequila McKnight about getting meals to the students.

On Monday, she launched a summer lunch program for students living in the housing complex.

Partnering with The Salvation Army and Kerry in Byesville, Barclay was able to provide meals to any child in the area.

McKnight said since the apartments were built in 2000, there has been a lack of programming to meet the needs of younger residents, but since Barclay moved in, things have changed.

“I’m just really happy that there’s something here for the kids,” said McKnight. “She’s doing excellent out here.”

In addition to the lunch program, Barclay has organized school supply initiatives and raffles to support the local children.

Instead of accepting cash for donated items during the National Road Yard Sale, Barclay exchanged items for school supplies, raising $200 worth over the weekend.

Another collection similar in nature is scheduled for July 14 at the Family Dollar on Maple Avenue.

While much of Kids Helping Hands relies on donations, the program makes every effort to give back.

Even though The Salvation Army delivered lunches on Monday, they still left with canned goods in hand, courtesy of Kids Helping Hands.

When it’s not lunch time, the kids take donated bottles of dish soap from Colgate in Cambridge and decorate them before delivering them to residents throughout the neighborhood.

McKnight said because of Barclay’s example, the kids are seeing the right thing to do and learning to give back.